"Think. Play. Grow." is an youth development program designed to engage young minds and transform curiosity into creation.
Welcome to "Think. Play. Grow."
About us
- Mission: At "Think. Play. Grow.", we strive to develop healthy young minds/bodies through morning movements in Jump Start, strategic thinking in Chess Club, creative play in Lego designing, and character growth in Youth Leadership development.
Schedule
- Classes are catered towards the need of the students (1-5x/week, before and afterschool, Homeschool network) and tailored to different skill levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
- Summer Camps and Competitions: Interactive sessions and friendly competitions to enhance learning and engagement all Summer long!
- Mentorship: An experienced instructor guiding students every step of the way.
Testimonials
Students
- "I love chess class! I've made new friends and learned so much!" - Daniel, Age 7
- "Chess Club has completely changed how I think about problem-solving! Coach is really patient and makes learning fun, even when it gets tricky." - Alex, Age 10
- "I love coming to Chess Club after school because it's not just about winning games, it's about learning new strategies and thinking ahead. It's like a brain puzzle!" - Maya, Age 12
- "I used to get frustrated when I couldn't figure out a move, but the Coach Ari always help me break it down and understand why certain moves are better than others." - Ben, Age 8
- "I've made so many new friends at Chess Club! We even play games against each other during free time, and it's always a friendly competition." - Sarah, Age 9
Parents
- "(Think. Play. Grow.) has been a game-changer for my child. Their confidence and strategic thinking have improved tremendously!" - Alyssa S.
- "Since joining the Chess Club, I've noticed a huge improvement in Daniel's focus and critical thinking skills. He's even applying those skills to their schoolwork!" - Sarah N.
- "The coach is fantastic! Ari is very knowledgeable about chess and has a great way of explaining complex concepts to kids of different levels." - Mike S.
- "I love that the program is not just about winning but about developing strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. It's a valuable life skill that goes beyond the chessboard." - Anne L.
- "The after-school program is well-structured and provides a safe environment for my child to learn and socialize with other kids who share a passion for chess." - Charles B.
Meet the Founder and Coach
Coach Ari
Ari is a Portland-based father of three who left a decade in corporate operations management to pursue something more meaningful — helping kids discover what they're capable of. As the founder of Think. Play. Grow., he isn't your typical program director. He's in the room, on the floor, and in the game with your kids every single day.
Ari brings the same energy and strategy he once used in boardrooms into classrooms, gyms, and after-school programs across Portland — teaching chess tactics, engineering challenges, leadership skills, and movement in ways that are genuinely fun AND meaningful. His secret? He truly loves this work — and kids can feel it.
Because every child has a superpower worth developing. Ari's just here to help them find it.